Tiru-Meni-Azhagar temple, Mayendrapalli
Location: Tiru-Mayendrapalli
Deity known as: Tiru-Meni-Azhagar
Female Deity: Vadivaambikai
Pathikam: Tiru-Gyanasambandar 1
Gallery – Tirumeniazhagar Temple, Tirumayendrapalli
How to Reach
This shiva temple is situated approximately 7 km from Tirunallur Perumanam (Aachchaalpuram) on the Chidambaram–Sirkazhi route. After crossing the Kollidam bridge on the route, take the branch road leading toward Aachchaalpuram and Tirumayendrapalli. Bus services are available from both Chidambaram and Sirkazhi.
Temple Address
Mayendirapalli
Mayendirapalli Post
Via Aachchaalpuram
Sirkazhi Taluk
Mayiladuthurai District
PIN – 609101
Temple Hours
Morning: 6:00 – 12:00
Evening: 4:30 – 8:00
Near by Temples
| 1 | Tirunallur Perumanam (Aachchaalpuram) - 7 kms |
Location Map
Temple Layout
This temple is located on the southern bank of the Kollidam River, about two kilometres from the point where it merges with the sea. The place is known as Mahendrapalli because it is believed that Indra worshipped the presiding deity here. The east-facing temple has a modest three-tiered Rajagopuram, reflecting its traditional architectural style. Close to the temple is Mahendra Theertham, the sacred water body associated with the temple.
After entering the temple and circumambulating the prakaram, devotees can see sannidhis dedicated to several deities, including Vinayaka, Kasi Vishwanathar, Mahavishnu with Sreedevi and Bhoodevi, a Shivalinga, Bhairavar, Surya, and Chandra. Upon completing the circumambulation and reaching the mandapam, the south-facing sannidhi of Goddess Vadivambikai can be seen, where she appears in a graceful standing posture. Further inside, on the right side, is the Nataraja Sabha, where Nataraja is enshrined along with Sivakami and Manickavasakar.
Directly opposite the mandapam is the east-facing sannidhi of the main deity. On certain days during the Tamil month of Panguni, the sanctum is illuminated by the rays of the rising sun. Notably, this temple does not have a separate Navagraha sannidhi; instead, Rahu and Ketu are placed alongside Vinayaka within his dedicated sannidhi.
Sthala Significance
The verses in the pathikam composed by Tirugnanasambandar indicate that the deities Surya, Chandra, Brahma, and Indra worshipped the presiding deity of this temple. It is believed that devotees who bathe in the sacred Mahendra Theertham and worship Tirumeniazhagar continuously for 48 days can be relieved even from severe and long-standing ailments. The sacred tree (sthala viruksham) associated with this temple is the Vilvam tree.
The saint poet Arunagirinathar has sung in praise of Muruga at this temple. One such hymn is included in the Tiruppugazh for Tirumayendiram. In this sannidhi, Muruga appears gracefully as Singaravelan, standing with two pairs of hands and accompanied by his consorts Valli and Deivanai. Devotees admire this beautiful form of the deity for its elegance and divine presence.
Gallery – Tirumeniazhagar Temple, Tirumayendrapalli
